Texans notes: Starters won't see much time against Jets

Texans notes: Jets game just another opener

Published 5:30 am, Thursday, August 11, 2011

Photo: Karen Warren, Chronicle

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Wide receiver Kevin Walter catches his breath between drills Wednesday during the morning session of the Texans camp at the Methodist Training Center. Walter's job appears secure, but there's still a receiver's spot up for grabs. less

Wide receiver Kevin Walter catches his breath between drills Wednesday during the morning session of the Texans camp at the Methodist Training Center. Walter's job appears secure, but there's still a receiver's ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Chronicle

Texans notes: Starters won't see much time against Jets

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Don't expect to see quarterback Matt Schaub and the rest of the starters much beyond the first two series of Monday's preseason opener against the Jets. Coach Gary Kubiak said he'd treat the first exhibition as he would any other — despite the lockout cutting into precious preparation time.

All of which means, of course, it's Matt Leinart's time to shine at the helm.

"Well, he's going to play a great deal, obviously," Kubiak said. "Preseason is his season, so to speak, so he will play a great deal. He's going to play against one of the top three defenses in the game, and they're very active from that standpoint, but he needs to play.

"Matt needs to get back out there and get in the fire, so to speak. … We all do, but it's a big couple of weeks for Matt."

New slate for Slaton

Steve Slatonappeared to be on the outside looking in when it came to the running back position since the Texans will probably keep only three. The top two spots belong toArian FosterandDerrick Ward. Last year's second-round pick,Ben Tate, has missed a lot of time with a bad hamstring, and Slaton has taken advantage of his absence, making one good play after another as both a runner and a receiver.

Slaton is healthy again and looks as quick as he did his rookie year, when he carried for over 1,200 yards and accumulated almost 1,700 from scrimmage.

Slaton excelled during the morning session, scoring going outside when he cut around the corner and outraced the secondary. He blew through the middle a couple of times for touchdowns.

Undrafted but impressive

Receiver Lestar Jean, a 6-3, 215-pound undrafted rookie from Florida Atlantic, continues to make plays. He and Terrence Toliver (6-5, 204) are impressive rookies who have outstanding size. They've both made plays in every practice.

Jean made two outstanding catches in the morning practice. He outjumped smaller defensive backs. The Texans have four receivers - Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones and Dorin Dickerson - who'll make the team. A fifth spot and a practice squad spot are there for the taking.

The coaches are eager to watch Jean and Toliver in the preseason opener against the Jets.

Proving his worth

Owner Bob McNair said if Arian Foster has a season like last year, he'll be rewarded.

"I think Arian understands if he performs this year, shows that he can be consistent, he'll be rewarded," McNair said. "That's how the game works, but you don't do it based on one season."

McNair expects playoffs

Bob McNair on Wednesday reiterated what he said two weeks ago, that he expects the Texans to make the playoffs and go far into the postseason.

"We have to be there," he said. "It's time for us to make it happen, and there's no reason we shouldn't. That's what I fully expect."

Man of Troy

Safety Troy Nolan, who's in his third training camp, made four good plays in the morning practice. Nolan (6-2, 206) tied for the team lead with three interceptions last season. At times, he showed a knack for making big plays.

Nolan showed excellent ball skills today. He knocked down the ball on a corner route that Lestar Jean ran. He knocked down a deep ball down the left side and one over the middle.

Injury report

Wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who left the morning session on a cart, has a sprained ankle and could miss a few days. There is nothing new on running back Ben Tate and his hamstring and head coach Gary Kubiak hopes he'll be ready to work today. Tackle Rashad Butler tweaked his hamstring and is considered day-to-day.

Wide receiver Lestar Jean, who has impressed coaches and teammates, took a good bump to the head. Kubiak said they'd see how he is today. Defensive end Antonio Smith, who dropped weight before training camp and has lost weight during camp, was described by Kubiak as "gassed" and in need of IVs, but he should be fine.

As for running back Arian Foster, he's still a few days away from returning, Kubiak said. The coach admitted Monday was looking "bleaker," but the plan remains to handle the tweaked hamstring with plenty of treatment and rest. He's still day-to-day.